Mechanism for the opening and closing of windows, louvers, or the like



Sept. 15, 1953 J. 5. BENTLEY 2,652,245 MECHANISM FOR THE OPENING ANDCLOSING OF WINDOWS, LOUVERS OR THE LIKE Filed April 24, 1951 2Sheets-Sheet l lililil liifl lilil l l E OF OUVERS I I 0 Filed April 24,1951 F WINDOWS, L

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Sept. 15, 1953 MECHANISM FOR THE OPENING ANDCLOS- ING OF WINDOWS,

LIK

LOUVERS, OR THE James Sydney Bentley, London, England, assignor toTelcflex a British company Application April 24, 1951,

Products Limited,

London, England,

Serial No. 222,670

In Great Britain April 24, 1950 Claims.

anism of great simplicity.

The mechanism with which the invention is concerned comprises apush-and-pull flexible metal cable of the type having a multi-strandedon its exterior singleor multi-start spaced helical projections, suchcable being mounted in a fixed guiding conduit which can be rectilinearor to close.

the mouth assumes a curved shape which is part or a substantial part ofa circle.

tain the opening thrust but to act as a stay to support the window orthe like in the opened position.

Where necessary, a window or the like may reverse movement by I whichthe window or the like is caused or allowed ably its have two cables forits operation, each of which is arranged as above set forth, and in adesired position the guiding means are run parallel to enable theparallel cables to be coupled by means of their helical projections.

The coupling means may be such that the main operating cable can causethe movement of another cable coupled thereto in the same direction by atoothed coupling slide engaging each cable, or in the same direction bytwo concables coming in diametrically opposite positions. In any caseand whatever the exact layout, the extent of the coupling and/orre-coupling with cables coming in the same or reverse directions, isoperated from the master cable moved by the operating means.

Any suitable means may be provided for effecting the movements of thecable, but preferhelices are engaged by a handle-operated gear wheel(with or without reduction gear) having automatic clutch means of anysuitable and known character for holding the parts locked in anyadjusted position, between the limits of operation.

In order that derstood, it will the invention may be better unnow bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are givenby way of example only and in which:

Fig. 1 shows a somewhat diagrammatic perspective view of the elementaryand primary means for carrying the invention into elfect, also shows acoupling means fitted thereto.

Fig. 2 shows a similar view to a smaller scale, illustrating theinvention applied to a single window.

Fig. 3 shows a similar view to Fig. 2 but with the invention applied totwo windows operated from a single master cable.

Fig. 4 shows a view similar to Figs. 2 and 3, showing the invention asapplied to three windows operated from a master cable.

Fig. 5 shows in longitudinal section, and Fig. 6 in split plan, couplingmeans between a master cable and subordinate cable in which both cablesare caused to move in the same direction.

Fig. 7 shows in elevation and Fig. 8 in sectional escutcheon plate forthe connection of the ends of guiding conduits for the cable.

Fig. 9 shows a further diagrammatic perspective view illustrating afurther ing the invention into eifect, cable controls a plurality ofsubordinate cables.

Fig. shows a cross sectional elevation of coupling means between amaster cable and subordinate cable, whereby the latter moves in thereverse direction to the master cable.

Fig. 11 shows a similar view to Fig. 10- but where three subordinatecables can be controlled from a master cable.

Fig. 12 shows a plan view of Fig. 11, one-half being taken on the linel2 --i-2.

Fig. 13 is a plan view of an installation utilis ing connectors such asshown in Fig. 10.

Fig. 14 shows an elevation of one connection in accordance with thesystem shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 shows a similar view to Fig. 13, utilis ing the connectors asshown in Figs. 11 and 12.

Figs. 16 and 1'? shOW elevations of the connect ing means in accordancewith the system shown in Fig. 15.

In the particular method of carrying the in vention into effect shown inFigs. 1 and 2, the window it is mounted by its upper edge to turn upon ahorizontal axis so that when closed its lower edge it comes against acorresponding fixed framework member. In the central position this fixedframework member 23 has one end of a guiding conduit 2! fixed thereto,preferably in the manner indicated in Fig. 8 hereafter referred to, sothat on the exterior there is a circular mouth which corresponds to theend of the guiding conduit. From this mouth 22., on the interior of theroom, the guiding conduit lies in a horizontal plane and is given asomewhat semicircular bend the radius of the bend being somewhat smallalthough, of course, determined by the flexibility of the cable 2 Beyondthis somewhat semicircular bend 23 the conduit has a reverse bend 21band then runs horizontally along the fixed framework 2d to the endthereof where it is given a bend 2b in a vertical plane and thenproceeds downwardly to the operating gear 2'! which comprises, as beforestated, a gear wheel and automatic clutch (not shown) and an operatinghandle '23. The cable 26 is of a size to slide readily in the conduit 2!and one end projects through the mouth 22 and is connected as shown inFig. l to the framework it of the moving window it. Towards the otherend of the cable 2d meshes with the gear wheel (not shown) and belowthis the cable extends into the spent tube conduit as which issufficiently long for the full travel of the cable.

It will be understood that from the closed position of the window it,when the handle 28 is operated to open the window a thrust or pushingmovement is given to the cable 2t which is axial to the cable and atright angles to the plane of the window 53 where the cable is connectedto the frame it; thereof. As a consequence, by the continued openingmovement, this axial thrust causes the window it to be turned about itshorizontal axis. The cable 2% is of sufficient stifiness and strength tohold the window it in any open position up to the maximum. To close thewindow it, it is simply necessary to reverse the movement of the handle28, when by the pull of the cable as, assisted by the weight of thewindow, the closing movement is eifected.

To distribute the effort and to enable two or more thrust points onwindows, louvres, shutters or otherwise to be operated from a mastercable, connecting means between the master cable and a subordinate cableor cables can be provided. Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate such a connectingmeans whereby the master cable causes a subordinate cable to move in thesame direction. This conoutlet can be closed by necting means, asillustrated, comprises two similar fiat casing portions 3% and 3! whichare united at their ends by screws 32. The casing portion Si which comeslowermost has apertures for securing screws. The complete casing has asomewhat flattened oval section and has such interior shaping when madeup that it secures the flared ends 35 of guiding conduits therein. Ifdesired and as shown, one unused a shaped plug 36.

The master cable passes through the casand in the mid position itshelical projections engage a toothed slide 3? the teeth of which on oneside are spaced suitably for the purpose. Similarly, a further set ofteeth on the other side engages the helical projections of a subordinatecable 33. The dimensions of the parts and of the interior of the casingmaintain the slide 31 in engagement with the cables whilst permittingthe to have a reciprocating movement of the desired amount.

Thus, when the master cable is moved it carries along with it and to asimilar extent, the subordinate cable which works i a conduit 39 filledto one end of the casing.

1 and 3 show an application of this device and from the latter it willbe appreciated how two windows 6% and ll (similar to the window it) canbe opened and closed from one master cable. (if course if desired thetwo windows and ll could be one large window to be operated by the twocables.

Obviously there are a great many structural arrangements which thedevices described can take. In some, for example, there can be more thanone subordinate cable, each of which can have its effective connection.Such an arrangement is shown in Fig. 4. In this figure the master cablecontrols a window 42 and subordiate cables windows it and i l; in thisfigure the arrangement of the connecting casingsreadily will be seen.

Where the direct thrust. cable emergesfrom the fixed part, and at aright angle to the window, pivoted louvre, sh. ter, movable screen, orotherwise (according to the precise arrangement) .it is connected to thewindow or the like in order that its thrust directly and without loss isapplied thereto.

The general emerging mouth is as shown in Figs. '7 and 8 in which Fig. 7shows an elevation of an escutcheon plate 92 fastened to the fixedsupport from the rear by two screws it. The plate (Fig. 8) has a rearaperture coincident with that of the support. The extreme end 41 of theconduit ill is held in the escutcheon plate by an encircling rubberpacking ring or gasket iii. In the total result the end M of the conduitis held fixed and the cable All has a thrust normal to the window,louvre, shutter or otherwise for opening.

Fig. 9 is example where subordinate cables themselves become mastercables, again to functicn as subordinate cables.

In this figure there are two windows pivoted midway on horizontal axes.At the two sides of each window, below its horizontal turning axis,there is a thrust cable connection.

The operation is from a main conduit and cable 2l2t.

25 has a further connector 49 itself proceeding to a still furtherconduit and cable 58 for the operation of the upper window. Similarly,the subordinate conduit and cable 93 has another connector operating aconduit and cable 52.

From the above it is quite obvious how with straight-running toothedconnections between connectors as shown in Figs. and 6 a multiplicity ofco-operative cables can be utilised.

Further, in place of connecting two cables so that they can run togethersuch as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, two cables can be connected together sothat they run in opposite directions, yet to obtain similar as shown inFig. 10, one cable 53, which can be the master cable, meshes with a gearwheel 54 on a spindle 55 in a two-part casing 5fi-51, so that anothercable 58 carries on the work: in an opposite direction.

In place of such a simple device as shown in Fig. 10, two gear wheels 59and 60 having clutch engaging faces, may be engaged upon the spindle 55with an upper part casing 58, a lower part casing 51 and twointermediate casing parts BI and 62. In this last-mentioned case a mainone or two other cables to be moved in opposite directions.

Fig. 12 is a plan partly in section on the line l2l2, Fig. 11, whichshows how the conduit, the ends of which are flared, are mounted in theparts of the assembly shown in Fig. 11 and how, from the master cable,the take-oh: can be to any desired grouping of one direction and twocables in tion.

Advantage is taken of the structures such as shown in Figs. 10, 11 and12 for movement from a master cable to be conveyed to a remote positionor positions for the purposes of the invention.

Fig. 13 shows a diagrammatic cross-sectional plan in which cables arearranged such as shown 13, which again it must be emphasised is a plan,63 is the plan of the housings for the gears and 64 the plan of theconduit and master cable having supports 65 at spaced intervals.

The cable from the ultimate end 56 of the main conduit-cable assemblyoperates the window 6'! which is on a vertical axis, and the otherwindows 68, E9 and lb are operated through the subordinate conduit-cableassemblies 'H12-13 the conduits and cables for which are but short).

Thus, from the main operating hand gear 14 all the windows are openedand closed with the aid of structures such as shown in Anexemplification of the main structure the opposite direccoupling meanssuch as shown in passage of the cables. The curved and bent conduit 11passes from one of these positions to an escutcheon plate 18 supportedby a bracket 19. Thus the cable 80 therefrom passes to the windowstructure BI and by the hereinbefore described operation of the cablethe window is opened and closed. It will be understood that the curvedconduit 1! represents any one of the conduit and cable assemblies H, 12or 13.

Regarding Fig. 15, in this figure 82 is the handoperated gear whichoperates a cable in a conduit 83 so that, in each desired position, agear wheel structure 84 such as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, is operated.In other words, in the ultimate position to the left, at 85, the maincable in its conduit effects its particular purpose, and in the Fig. forthe cable in the same results, that is to say, and

same position the reverse action takes place through the coupled conduitand cable assembly 86.

In all the other positions there are two conduit and cable assemblies 8and 88.

In the total result, in the whole of the positions 8586 and in all ofthe positions 81-88 there is an for turning structures about horizontalaxes.

structures shown in Figs. and indicated at 84 in Fig. 15, are arranged.Here the double gear wheel structure in its casing such as shown inFigs. 11 and 12 is mounted upon a fixed bracket 89 attached to the fixedpart of the framework.

As will be seen from Fig. 16,

parted to the latter cable.

2. Mechanism for the opening and closing of windows, louvres, shuttersor the like which turn upon an axis, as claimed in claim 1, in which theconnecting casing means consists of a pair 3. Mechanism for the openingand closing of windows, louvres, shutters or the like which turn upon anaxis, as claimed in claim 1, in which the connecting casing meansconsists of a pair of semi-circular portions, fastening means forsecuring the casing portions together with :their concave faces adjacenteach other, grooved locking means formed in the ends of the casingportions to retain flared ends of the guiding conduits when said casingportions'are secured together, and the toothed coupling member consistsof a slide, said slide having a set of teeth formed on one side thereofto engage the helical projections of the master cable, and another-setof teeth formed on the opposite side thereof to engage the helicalprojections of the subordinate cable so that rectilinear movement of theformer cable in one direction will impart a rectilinear movement to theslide strip and the latter 'cable in the same direction.

4. Mechanism for the opening and closing of windows, louvres, shuttersor the like which turn upon an axis, as claimed in claim 1, inwhich theconnecting casing means consists of a pair of semi-circular portions,fastening means for securing the casing portions together with theirconcave faces adjacent each other, and the toothed coupling memberconsists of a gear located transversely of the connecting casing meanson which said gear is rotatably mounted so that teeth on one sidethereof engage the helical projections of the master cable and teeth onthe diametrically opposite side of the gear engage the helicalprojections of the subordinate cable enabling rotational movement of themaster cable to move said cable rectilinearly in one direction andimpart a rotational movement to the gear to move the subordinate cablerectilinearly in the opposite direction.

5. Mechanism for the opening-and closing of windows, louvres, shuttersor the like which turn upon an axis, as claimed in claim 1, in which theconnecting casing means consists of a pair of semi-circular portions,fastening means for se-- curing the casing portions together with theirconcave faces adjacent each other, and the toothed coupling memberconsists of two gear wheels, clutch engaging facings formed on theadjacent faces of the gears, a spindle located transversely of theconnecting casing means .on which said gears are rotatably mounted sothat the teeth on diametrically opposite sides thereof engage thehelicalprojections of the master cable and the helical projections of threesubordinate cables, one of which is moved restilinearly in the samedirection as the master cable and the other two moved rectilinearly inthe opposite direction thereto when said master cable is rotated.

J AMES SYDNEY BENTLEY.

References Cited in the file of this patent

